Midweek already, Winnipeg!

If you didn’t get a chance to follow the federal election results, we’ve got you covered with a quick and simple breakdown.

In today’s editions, we’ll also be sharing a community call for help to find a missing teen, news about Manitoba’s first surgical robot (which already removed a cancerous tumour), and a $100K investment into a new outdoor play space.

Oh, and for anyone looking to get a new bike, the City’s annual bike auction ends tomorrow, so this is your final reminder! (More information below)

In today’s edition:

• Canada Just Voted, Here’s What Happened

• Manitoba Gets Its First Surgical Robot

• Historic Downtown Church Saved From Demolition

• Last Chance: City of Winnipeg’s Bike Auction Ends Tomorrow

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Canada Just Voted, Here’s What Happened

We don’t usually cover federal news here, but for anyone who hasn’t heard, here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the federal elections. Over 19 million Canadians cast their ballots, and that includes a whole lot of us right here in Manitoba.

There’s something kind of beautiful about that. Neighbours in line at advance polls, parents explaining the ballots to their teens, and first-timers with their voting stickers. Whether your party won or not, the fact that folks showed up? That matters.

Here’s what to know:

• Voter turnout hit 67%, up from the 63% last election

• Results: The Liberals are forming government again, leading in 169 seats (just shy of a majority)

• The Conservatives trail closely with 144 seats

• Bloc Québécois took 23 seats, and the NDP landed just 7

• Manitoba’s split: 7 seats Conservative, 6 Liberal, 1 NDP

But regardless of whatever side you were on, thanks for showing up. Now, back to our regular local updates!

Click Here: To learn more about the federal election results

A message from Cleanr Property Maintenance

Kick Off Your Summer with a Perfect Lawn

With summer now around the corner, we’ve all been there. It’s Sunday morning, you’re sipping your coffee, and you glance out the window. There it is again. That lawn staring back at you, wild and unruly, waiting for the mower that was supposed to come out last weekend (and the weekend before that).

Whether you are tired of putting it off yourself or getting tired of reminding your partner, why not call Cleanr Lawn Care? With their 100% satisfaction guarantee, you know your lawn is going to look great every single week.

If not, they’ll come back and fix it free of charge. Still not right? They’ll even pay a competitor to make it perfect for you. That’s the kind of local service you don’t see every day.

For the past 9 years, Cleanr has been the trusted choice for thousands of Winnipeggers who want a healthy, beautiful yard without the hassle.

Here’s what you get:

• Weekly lawn mowing so your grass always looks fresh

• Edge trimming for neat, sharp edges

• Debris cleanup from sidewalks, driveways, and patios

• Optional add-ons like fertilizer, weed control, aeration, and power raking

And if you're not totally happy, they'll come back just to make it right. That's how confident Cleanr is in their service.

So are you ready to take mowing off your weekend to-do list and support a fully local Winnipeg business while doing so?

Community Spotlight

Manitoba Gets Its First Surgical Robot

Every family here knows someone who’s been affected by long surgical waits. So this news feels like a real turning point.

Health Sciences Centre just unveiled Manitoba’s first surgical robot and it’s already changing lives. With help from donors and the province, HSC brought in the da Vinci Xi, a high-tech, minimally invasive robot that’s now helping treat everything from lung cancer to urologic and gynecologic conditions.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications for patients

• Shorter hospital stays, which helps free up more beds

• Recruits top surgeons by offering cutting-edge tools

• And is funded by HSC Foundation’s Operation Excellence campaign

One patient, 33-year-old An Ji Li, had his cancer removed by the robot and was out of the hospital the very next day!

Click Here: To learn more about the Surgical Robot!

Community Digest

Help Find Elizabeth and Keep Our Community Safe

We usually stay away from crime news unless it directly touches our community. Today’s one of those times we wanted to share something important.

Winnipeg police are asking for help finding 13-year-old Elizabeth Lucier, who hasn’t been seen since February. She was reported missing this week and was last seen in the St. Boniface area.

Here’s what to know:

• Elizabeth is 5'1" and 110 pounds

• She has medium-length brown hair and brown eyes

• She was last seen on February 22

• If you know anything, call Winnipeg Police Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250

On a related note, Winnipeg Crime Stoppers also just shared their April’s Most Wanted list. We won’t get into the details here, but if you want to stay informed and help keep an extra eye out for your kids, neighbours, and community, click the link below to learn more.

Click Here: To see the full list!

Historic Downtown Church Saved From Demolition

It’s not every day we get a second chance to save a piece of Winnipeg’s history. Last year, there were talks about demolishing Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Now, thanks to a new effort, it’s getting the care it needs to stay standing for generations to come.

The church, sitting at 256 Smith Street since 1884, needs an estimated $7 million in repairs to fix major structural issues. But instead of letting it fall apart, CentreVenture is stepping in to help fund the first phase.

Here’s what’s happening:

• CentreVenture just signed a deal to help fund the first phase of a major restoration

• The church is a National Historic Site of Canada

• Restoration work includes building assessments, geotechnical testing, and design for a new foundation

This isn’t just about fixing an old building. It’s about holding onto the heart of our city, and making sure future generations can feel connected to where it all began.

Winnipeg’s history matters. And it’s moments like this that help us protect it.

Click Here: To learn more about the first phase of restoration!

New Outdoor Space Coming to Westwood

It’s always good to see new spaces where kids can just be kids. The Manitoba government is putting $100,000 into a new outdoor play area at Sansome School in Westwood, designed to be safe, inclusive, and open to the whole Kirkfield Park community.

The project will create a fresh place for kids to run around, build friendships, and spark creativity. It will also serve as a gathering spot for daycares, the local community club, and anyone looking for a safe place to play.

The work is expected to start this fall, and honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes you proud to live here. Our little corners of Winnipeg are better when we invest in spaces like this.

Community Digest

Winnipeg’s Kyler Filewich Signs with the Sea Bears

It’s always special when one of our own comes home, and this one’s a slam dunk!

The Winnipeg Sea Bears just signed Kyler Filewich, a proud Vincent Massey grad who’s fresh off a huge March Madness run with Wofford College. After leading his team to a championship and tournament appearance, Kyler’s bringing his talent (and his famous “granny style” free throws) back to Winnipeg.

Here’s a quick look:

• Averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds last season

• Named SoCon Tournament MVP

• Played over 150 NCAA games, showing toughness and leadership

Kyler said he’s beyond excited to suit up at home, and we can’t wait to cheer him on.

The Sea Bears home opener is May 16 at Canada Life Centre. Mark your calendars, Winnipeg, it’s going to be a good one.

Click Here: To get your tickets! (They’re selling out fast)

City of Winnipeg’s Bike Auction Ends Tomorrow

Winnipeg’s love for biking is growing every year and if you’re looking for a new set of wheels, this is your final reminder.

The City’s annual online bike auction ends tomorrow!

Here’s the final reminder:

• 600 bikes are up for grabs

• Bidding closes May 1

• With pickup running from May 2 to 9 at 7130 Roblin Blvd

You can check out the bikes and bid online from the comfort of your home.

Click Here: To see the bikes!

Coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, May 2

  • Location: Exchange District

  • Description: Explore the arts and culture of the Exchange District on the first Friday of the month.

• The Fab Four | 7PM, May 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Casino Centre

  • Description: The Fab Four is a California tribute band paying homage to the Beatles.

• Family Fun Spring Fair | May 2-25, Open Fri, Sat & Sun (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboia Downs

  • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

• The Band's Visit Musical | May 2-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

  • Description: An Egyptian Police Band arrives in Israel to play a concert. After a mix-up at the border, they are sent to a remote village in the middle of the desert.

• Billie and the Moon Play | May 2-4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Everyone remembers their first time at summer camp. For Billie, it’s been unforgettable – and not in a good way. (Recommended for Ages 6-11)

• Winnipeg Tattoo Show 2025 | May 2-4 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: See 100s of artists throughout the weekend, and explore the type of tattoo you want done.

• 4th Spring Craft Show | 11Am - 3PM, May 4 (More Info)

  • Location: Holy Cross School Inc.

  • Description: Just in time for Mother's Day, inspiration and gifts!

Exciting Events: April 30th & May 1st

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance.

Sports🏒

• Blues vs Jets Game 5 | 8:30PM, April 30 (Click here for all road closures)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: One of the most crucial games of the series! Be sure to come out and support in any way you can.

• Winnipeg Jets Whiteout Street Parties | 6:30PM, April 30

  • Location: Donald Street and Graham Ave

  • Description: 5,000 fans right outside the Canada Life Centre, watching Jets game 5 on big screens!

Family Fun🎆

• Maximizing Garden Space | 7PM, April 30 (More Info)

  • Location: Robert A. Steen Community Centre

  • Description: Specializing in high-yield, space-efficient gardening, she teaches practical techniques to maximize harvests, even in small spaces, through smart design, companion planting, and organic methods.

• ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | April 30 - May 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting? As Jonesie and Tallahassee attempt to escape their circumstances, the cramped space becomes a pressure cooker and a bitingly funny conversation about power emerges. Who will come out on top?

• Dogfight: The Musical | April 30 - May 4 (Tickets/Learn more)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic but heartbreaking theatrical journey.

• Grease Lightning Musical | May 1 - June 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

  • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

Special Events/Concerts🎨

• Julie Nolke: Dying On The Outside | 7PM, April 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Park Theatre

  • Description: Known for her hugely successful sketch comedy channel on YouTube, Julie Nolke takes to the stage in a one-hour, one-woman sketch comedy performance!

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7-9PM, April 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf

  • Description: Enjoy an adults-only atmosphere with live musical entertainment, plus wine and beer.

• One Night With The King | 7PM, April 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: One Night With the King takes you on a music journey from Elvis’ early days at Sun Studios to the Vegas era and everything in between. Creative choreographed dance productions: sizzling costumes and live band come together.

• Winnipeg Comedy Festival 2025 | April 30 - May 4 (More Info/Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club, Gas Station Arts Centre, Burton Cummings Theatre, and more!

  • Description: Multiple shows, all in one week! With over 2 million viewers tuning in annually, WCF remains CBC Television’s highest-rated comedy festival series—proof that Winnipeg knows how to bring the laughs, both on stage and on screen. (Over 30+ comedy shows!)

• Indigenous Medium Shawn Leonard Live | 7PM, May 1 ($)

  • Location: RBC Convention Center

  • Description: Discover the process of mediumship from a unique Indigenous perspective. Is somebody trying to get you a message from the spirit world? Join and find out!

• Bolero with Angels in the Architecture & Hikarizatto | May 1-4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: A dynamic triple bill of contemporary ballets highlighting the history and versatile talents of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Three distinct dance styles with one ticket!

• Grand Opening of Style Encore | May 1-4 (More Info)

  • Location: 1190 St James St

  • Description: Family-owned store selling gently used items accessible to everyone, offering a range of affordable, and high-quality treasures.

Music 🎵

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].